Readers' Letters

Dear Karen,

I read Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui and applied your principles to energetically streamline my life several years ago. Recently, I moved in with my boyfriend, a wonderful man, who is still sorting through his 'old life.' I bought my boyfriend a copy of your book.

Well, the book sat around for a while. As time passed I repeatedly moved the book into view, brought it to the top of the pile. My boyfriend was too busy and distracted by his other 'stuff' to look at it.

Finally, two days ago, I was feeling particularly congested and depressed amid the household clutter. That night I pulled my boyfriend into bed and read to him aloud the first three chapters of your book, until he fell asleep.

In the morning the two of us were a de-cluttering machine. We threw out enormous piles of garbage and junk, re-arranged furniture in every room of the house, and went through every loose slip of paper. My boyfriend found several undeposited checks payable to him totaling more than $3000... and he finished filing his taxes. We were so energized by the momentum of our spring clean, we didn't stop until 4 o'clock the next morning.

This morning I woke feeling like a new human being. I eagerly did my exercises (it had been a while). My boyfriend visibly looks like a weight has lifted from his shoulders. We had been talking about moving... now we both love the house and want to stay. Even our dog looks peppier. All that clearing inspired by just the first three chapters of your book. I can't wait to read him the next three chapters.

Thank you from every fiber of my being ~ Maggie D.

Dear Karen,

I recently read your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, and really enjoyed it.  So here's the story.

I bought your book around 6 years ago after someone highly recommended it to me just because she felt great after reading it and thought that I would really enjoy it.  Well, there it sat with the rest of my clutter for 6 years!  With every move I brought this book with me along with so much other stuff - I think I moved six times in six years.  Any way, I just moved again and found your book and for some reason was ready to read it.  Once I started I couldn't put it down and I really got so much out of it. 

My fiancé and I sorted through all of our stuff that we left in his parents shed. We threw stuff in garbage bags that we wanted to bring to the dump, and we put the rest of the stuff that we "needed" in plastic storage bins to bring to our new apartment where there is little space for it.  We went to the dump on Easter Sunday and it was closed. My future father-in-law told us he would bring it for us on Monday morning. We could use his vehicle to drive back home and he would use ours to bring our stuff to the dump, then bring the rest to our place.

Well, for some reason he didn't get the part that we were bringing the stuff in the plastic bins to our place, and he threw it all away!

At first I gasped when he told me and I thought of all of my things like my summer shoes, my winter coats, my photo albums etc... Then I felt this tremendous sense of relief! I feel great, but I know that if I hadn't read your book I would have been devastated. I told my future father-in-law this and he just looked at me like I was nuts.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely, Patty

Dear Karen,

I want to thank you for the great advice in your book, I started a few months ago and cleaned my 45 square meter apartment of, I think, 30 big bags of clutter. I wonder where all this clutter came from?

Many good things have happened since then. My relationships to my boyfriend and parents have improved and also my job responsibilities. A very funny thing that has happened is that I seem to find things I need in the garbage can in our backyard. I recently found two brand new dresses, one of which I saw and wanted to buy at Mango. I know this sounds really funny and I am not normally a person that goes through other people's junk! I also found a brand new pot and also decoration stuff beside the garbage can. I really had to laugh so much thinking about your sentence that life provides you with what you need.....

Thanks again ~ Monika

Karen:

I am a horrible insomniac. I have tried every trick in the book, so about three months ago I decided that the next night when I encountered a sleepless night, I would "read a boring book." The experts say that will lull you back to sleep. At the time, I grabbed your book, Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui, from the bookshelf and was sure that I would be in a deep slumber within minutes.

Well, your book was impossible to put down. Needless to say, it did not qualify as that boring book that would help me get sleepy. Instead, I was so inspired that I called in for a sub for the next day (I teach high school band) and decided the most important thing I could tackle would be my garage.

It had seemed so overwhelming that I had been just shutting the door and ignoring it. The garage lies directly below our kitchen and family room - where we spend most of our time. I was 20 pounds over weight. As I forged through your book, I saw some serious connections between the clutter in my garage and the clutter in my life.

It is now several months later. My garage looks like a model home. My office at school - and my classroom - are in a state of organization I never thought possible with 240 teenagers traipsing through each day. And...I am 20 pounds lighter than I was when this began. Yesterday I bought a pair of size 10 pants - for the first time in 10 years!

Your book doesn't just do a superficial "fix it" for looks, it truly offers solutions that transforms lives. Thank you for writing such important information in a manner that is accessible by 'regular' people. My life has improved. I feel freer. I could not have done this without your book!

THANK YOU for changing my life!

~ Lesley, M., USA, High School Director of Bands & Percussion

Dear Karen,

My neighbor recently gave me a copy of your book that she picked up at a used book sale.  I chuckled since my administrator had just commented on the state of my classroom clutter and my husband can never stop complaining about all my 'junk'.  So I started to read it, going in with the attitude that it will be interesting but not really much help for a clutterholic like me!

I have to tell you that about 2 chapters into the book something changed.  I started to read it with an openess I haven't felt in years.  My whole body felt more relaxed and as I read about the reasons I hoard and add clutter to my clutter,  it became like a weight lifting off me.  I couldn't put the book down.  I started recommending it to everyone I know, some have already ordered the book for themselves. 

I have now finished it and plan on reading it again.  I have been clearing out rooms FULL of stuff, have been taking your advise about giving the not so used things to charity, my coworkers and my fabric scraps to the school for a service project (making a quilt to give to a charity).  I feel great and my house is looking cleaner and neater.  I have such positive chi that a new business I just started is really taking off.  I already have a recruit and 3 bookings for parties.  All of this happened just from reading the book!

Thank you for helping me to see why I felt a need for clutter and how to help rid myself of it, both outside and inside my body.  I come from a long line of clutterholics, and it is time to break the cycle

~ Donna A, USA, Eighth Grade Science Teacher

I'm 21 and a 4th year university student. I'm majoring in IT and working on with many projects that the instructors have given me. At first I couldn't find the way to solve and handle these much projects, so I just kept ignoring them.

After reading your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, my lazy life has changed. I have more energy to clean up my place and space. I can start over with school projects I ignored. Your book does not just teach me to clear up my place but also my mind. Thank you for letting me know how the art of space clearing works. It works for me!

~ Janpen, Thailand

Dear Karen,

I have had your book for years. Over the past 4 years things have been a challenge, mainly financially. I have had to move a bit, each time to a smaller space and now I just rent a room so my stuff has really collected up. I was living with many boxes in a 10 foot by 10 foot room and when I cleared out the boxes it was just amazing - it was like this downward pressure was lifted and my life just opened up.

Since then I have been reading your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, and I just have to tell you how much sense it makes. Your writing style is very simple but very poignant, so I just wanted to send you this very sincere thank you. Please keep up the good work and thanks so much for putting these books out so one can gain from them without going to a workshop.

Cheers,

~ Andy, California, USA

Dear Karen,

Your little book jerked me into action more than eight months ago and I am still at it. I put 49 items/projects on my list; small and big, costing from nothing to take care of to several thousand (new kitchen counters, for example). I put all those tasks on paper.  I know that some will take a good deal more time to accomplish. I also realize that this is an on-going activity.

At the beginning of this year I promised myself to take care of one item per week.  I pretty much stuck with it through the end of June, but now I am getting to the more laborious, or costly items which, by nature, will take more than a week to accomplish. I am OK with that;  I just keep pecking away at it. The benefits of open space with the right things in it are manifold. 

I have one amazing story to share. For 21 years I (we) had a large triptych of embossed serigraphs hanging on the wall over our heads.  The pictures featured spiny cacti.  For all those years I would wake up in the middle of the night, finding my arm covering the top of my head.  The arm would get so stiff and pained that I had to use the other hand to bring it down under the covers very slowly. When my husband was alive, I would even ask him to put his hand on top of my head and that is how I would go to sleep.  After reading your book, it suddenly dawned on me that maybe those prickly cacti might have something to do with all that pain.  So I took the three large pictures down and donated them to a local charity.  In their place I hung a painting of a green valley oak in a field of lupine.  I am not kidding you; I have not covered my head with my arm to guard against the cactus spines since. 

Thank you and warm regards,

~ Emmy A., USA

Dear Karen,

I read Clear Your Clutter a year ago. I read it in one day and was very excited, however did nothing to clear any clutter. My life took over with stress at my job and the illness and loss of my mother. I was more lost and overwhelmed than ever.

Five months after my mother passed, I needed something to help me get my head above water. I picked up your book again and was SO energized and excited. I have cleared clutter that has been stored and gathering dust for over 20 years! Bags of things have been thrown out and SO much is ready to be donated to charities.

During this month of sorting, discarding and cleaning, I was given an unexpected check for $5000, found out about an inheritance of $3000, found gift cards and gift certificates worth over $400, found out about more income that will be coming monthly, and gathered about $75 worth of change too.

The additional income has been wonderful, but more than that, I'm energized and no longer feel overwhelmed. I'm comfortable and happy in my home. I'm reading about Feng Shui and applying the principles at home and in my classroom. Thank you for getting me started!

THANK YOU!

~ E.S.

Dear Karen,

My husband and I both have just read and re-read your book on clearing clutter. I have tried for over a year to encourage him to unload some of his mental baggage and holdings. I read the book and read a few paragraphs out loud and he was ignited on fire like I have never seen. He is moving clutter out so fast and so much of it neither of us could believe it. He has so much more energy and is finally taking the time to actually finish the book!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

~ Stephanie S., USA

Dear Karen,

I spent the whole weekend at the office clearing my desk and the next week I got promoted to the job I've always wanted! Now I'm inspired to clear out my home and my car.

~ John M., New Zealand

Dear Karen,

I have just read your book. I'm manic with my clutter, as in I don't have any. Other than a messy drawer in my flat the only out of control room is my daughter Alice's room -- this happens to be the Wealth area. Now, showing her the book, she has taken to clearing clutter with a vengeance. Alice is 13 years old and has already developed clutter bug tendencies. I now hope with thoughts on her mother's money pile or lack of it we can nip this in the bud.

I have also given the bug to a very close friend and it has made him realize why he is not moving forward in all areas of his life! The main concern he has is why our relationship never moves passed just friends -- the book answered his question and my prayers.

A huge thank you as it feels like after years of being labeled a nutter for never keeping junk I'm now seen as being open, normal etc.

~ Vicki D., UK

PS. If you ever do research on people who pull through a major upset like cancer you will find they all embrace the removal of clutter. I had a year off to fight cancer and took up the mind, body and house clearing process as a major way of self healing.

Dear Karen,

When I cleared my filing cabinet I found stock certificates that are now worth $4000! Your book certainly paid for itself.

~ Y.T., USA

Dear Karen,

I have been trying to clear my life of junk at all levels - emotional, physical and spiritual for nearly six years now (if not the whole 35 that I've been alive!). The great thing for me about your book,  Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui, is that finally there is one place where all the ideas and understandings come together. I've intuitively felt that I needed a clear-out from time to time, but I always panic and go get more junk to fill the space left by the clear-out! Then I get stuck and depressed again. Your book has really helped me, and because it is practical and I have to do things, it has got me further in one reading than several years of counselling.

Thank you.

~ Sean S., United Kingdom

Dear Karen,

The best thing I got rid of was the drunk I was living with!

~ Morgan A., USA

Dear Karen,

I have battled with my weight for many years now and am currently completing my fourth month with Weight Watchers having only lost 4 kgs (8,8lbs)!! Today at weekly weigh in, the scale said I'd lost a further 1,4 kgs (3lbs)!!!! I've done nothing different other than get rid of a load of clutter in my house - I think my body got the message!!!!!

Our clutter clearing continues. Today my husband is clearing out his tool box - this is truly amazing as it is the first time in about 10 years!!! This may sound weird, but I am noticing a glow in my house. Seriously, it's as if everything is shining. My home is becoming a truly lovely place to live in. All since clutter clearing began. What an inspiration. Thanks again.

~ Rae M., South Africa

Dear Karen,

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui is the perfect resource for people like myself who are controlled by the stuff that so quickly accumulates over the course of a day, a week, and a lifetime. I bought the book not knowing it was 'clutter specific'. I sort of walked into it in a bookstore, saw that it was a feng shui book and very compact, so I picked it up. It was exactly what I needed. Not cluttered with too much info (we clutter-o-holics do not have enough time or energy to focus on excessive amounts of information) yet you manage to touch on every aspect of my clutterness.
     
Although I have still a lot of clearing to do, I have begun to see the 'stuff' differently and let go of things easier. Each paragraph of your book is an eye opener... a wonderful, positive jump start. Thank you.

~ Anon

Dear Karen,

Your book was required reading for one of my courses in college. I loved the book and was thrilled to be able to learn all of the information you provide. It was so helpful to be able to unclutter my own home and workplace and it made a huge difference in my life. I am the author of the Anxiety Busters Program and we also have a Free Anxiety Helpline. I am constantly talking with others and giving information and advice.

Uncluttering made more room for me to do this in more ways than one. Also, unloading the emotional clutter was extremely helpful. I wanted to write to you and thank you for writing such a wonderful book and let you know that it ties in with helping others past anxiety conditions. I hope to pass on much of the information to those who contact me and recommend your book to them as well.

All the best to you always and thank you again for such worthwhile and enjoyable information.

Ronnie Freedman
Founder of Anxiety Busters, Inc.
http://www.anxietybusters.com

Dear Karen,

When I was little, I adored horses. I would draw them and I took a few lessons but having a horse of my own was out of my family's reach. I wound up with a lot of horse figurines and model horses, which I still have. About 10 years ago, in my early 30's, I realized my income was my own and I could choose to spend some of my money on riding lessons, which I did. One thing led to another and I bought my first horse a little more than a year ago now. My partner bought a new horse for himself about the same time.

I had the model horses because I so wanted a horse of my own, but I have horses now. I don't need to hang onto these models anymore!!

~ Tyra M., USA

Dear Karen,

I happened to come across your book a couple of weeks ago. And I've been reading and rereading it since then. The book is very interesting. I like both what you are saying and the way you are saying it. And your system works very well: numerous trash bags were filled up and taken away already (that's not too bad for a start, I guess). I got rid of the useless stuff I'd been keeping for years. And t makes me feel happy!

I have read a few books on feng shui already. They were good, but it was only Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui that brought me to action immediately. Thank you very much for this wonderful book!

~ Alexander P., Russia

Story from a clutter-hoarding-pack-rat-princess!!!!

I'm 9 years old and I used to be a total pack rat! I use to fit in three-fourths of the clutter-hogging reasons -  the 'just in case' items, identity, territorialism and scroogeness. I used to keep every letter, receipt, movie stub and clothes that didn't fit me. I was mad when my old clothes got passed down and sad when I threw stuff away. I'd just like to thank you for writing your book so that I and many others could be free!!!

Sincerely

~ Danni 

Dear Karen,

Two sisters had the unfortunate job of clearing out their recently deceased brother's house. He was known throughout the area to be a saver of string. Balls of every color and texture were stacked, rolled and stuffed everywhere. Down in the basement among the smaller balls was a can with a piece of tape labeling its contents... "STRING TOO SMALL TO SAVE"!

Ha,ha. Hope you enjoy this little letter and thanks again for helping me gain a little more SPACE.

~ June K., USA

Dear Karen,

This book has been the key to unleashing the emotional attachments to the things I have been dragging around for much too long. Friends who come to my home think I am so neat and orderly! Ha! Yes, it's true that most of the time my home would present itself very nicely - especially if I know you're coming! But start opening drawers and cabinets and the hidden disasters become quite obvious.
   
Your style of writing has such an easy and flowing way of reaching the reader. I love to pick your book up and open to wherever it may and my eyes just fall somewhere and I read. This approach has led me to the same passages many times over, and I understand that it's no coincidence as it's usually an area I really need to pay extra attention to in my own clutter clearing! Wonderful how the universe always stays on task!!
   
I have conquered a disastrous pantry, cupboards and my wardrobe so far. Two days ago I dropped off 7 bags (large garbage size!) of my clothing to the local women's shelter! I am so energized with my new mission to be clutter-free in this time of such new energy.
    
I just wanted to say thank you for sharing all of this wonderful wisdom in your fabulous book. It has been like a magic spell for me.

~ Lisa J., USA

Dear Karen,

Since I read your clutter book 3 weeks ago I have sold or given to charity, or binned 80% of the things I own. I've made £550, sold 400 books, got rid of half my old comic collection, half of which I had kept just to have an example of that artist's work, not because it gave me any pleasure on a regular basis, or even at all. My furniture is starting to go. My housemate rapidly followed me, and we've rearranged every room in the house barring our other housemates'. He is still blinking owlishly at the whole whirlwind we've created.
     
I've decided to stuff London at this present time, after 3 years. I'm a northerner by upbringing but my heart has always been in the Lake District. So that is where I am going to live. Now I'm not attached to this stuff I realised that the only thing keeping me here was my friends. And that wasn't a good enough reason, much as I love them all. Job and house lease end at the end of January and I've been wondering what my next step would be for months. I think fate already knew what was in store.
     
Thank you so much for the books, the common sense, the clear insight, and the practicality. How can you argue with such matter of fact truths.

~ Alan S., England

Dear Karen,

I bought your book and read it cover to cover. Having been away from my job for almost three months due to depression, I was amazed by the enthusiasm I suddenly had to clear my clutter. I am encouraging my partner to read your book too. A conversation we had went like this:

Me: "Where did this ashtray come from?" (knowing it not to be ours).
Partner: "I brought it home from work."
Me: "Why?" (we have NINE already!)
Partner: "We had two at work and I was trying to get rid of some junk."

Well, as you can see, I may have my work cut out with this guy!

When we moved from our last house we had to clear the loft. Apart from the usual loft junk, there was also fishing tackle that belonged to my partner and his brother when they were boys, and a dining room table and six chairs. The table and chairs went but we still have the fishing tackle even though my partner is nearly 49 years old, and in the five and a half years we have been together he has never been fishing, and nobody actually knows where his brother is!

Thank you for inspiring me. After months I am beginning to feel a bit of enthusiasm and energy again.

~ Helen T., England
33 year old reformed clutterholic

Dear Karen,

I have read both your books and have uncluttered 15 years worth of stuff. I was such a hoarder that I moved twice and took all my clutter with me.

~ Linda C., South Africa

Dear Karen,

I picked up your book quite by chance in a local library and I've had so much pleasure from reading it. I couldn't put it down. It is so beautifully written and so very clear and easy to understand.
     
I spent all day yesterday packing up stuff to throw out. I don't need it so why keep it? I am working my way through the house but what I'd really like to do is throw the whole lot out and start again with new stuff chosen by me. However, at 75 years old, I ask myself, is it worth it? If only I had known about all this years ago I might have had a better life instead of the miserable life I've always had.

- M.B., England

Karen: Please take heart! Even at 75 years old, wonderful changes can happen in your life if you are willing to let go of past clutter to create space for a new tomorrow. It sounds to be financially impractical for you to renew most of your possessions as you would like to, but you will still find the whole atmosphere of your home lifting as you clear out the dross. Many people report they feel years younger and a great deal more buoyant after letting go of their clutter!

Dear Karen,

I just finished reading your book, and what a fabulous book it is! I'm an organized person, so I have organized clutter. This has allowed me to organize an awful lot of stuff into very limited space and then hang onto it forever.

I began going through all my old (and dearly beloved) books. Sorting through and pitching out old memories and associations I no longer need has been such a cleansing experience! I was amazed at what I had that I had no idea I had! I am dissociating my identity from these books, and am putting it back where it belongs, which is in what I AM, not in what I HAVE. I give a prayer of gratitude for what each book gave me and release it with love to carry its message to others who will read it.

I'm telling you, my bookshelves literally glow. There is a whole new resonating energy around my books, and I even removed the top shelf which I no longer need, making the height proportional to the space the bookshelves are in. Everything remaining there is by conscious intention, and it shows. I thank you dearly for your teachings and books and inspiration.

~ Beth K., USA

P.S. The next morning after the "book clearing," my female canary, Gaia, laid her first egg and is contentedly sitting on it. Buttercup, her mate, is happily hopping around the cage like the proud papa he is.

Dear Karen,

What a great book! When I read it, I was so motivated to clear the clutter from my house -- I was, as you describe it, a white tornado! The next three full days were dedicated to clearing the clutter in my home and included five trips to the rubbish dump, one to the salvation army and one to the library. Since then, I've continued clearing clutter and learning about and implementing Feng Shui remedies at a more leisurely pace.
    
The changes have been incredible. Besides just feeling more positive and optimistic about my life, and having the emotional energy to 'intend' positive changes, my relationships have benefited, I've been getting so many calls for new business (so much so that I've had to turn down some projects!), and -- not coincidentally, since my home office is in the self-improvement/knowledge/wisdom area of my house -- I am learning and growing so much in the area of personal growth and development. I've 'happened' upon some great books that answer questions, inspire and encourage me in areas of my life where I've been less than clear. Thanks! I've read your book three times now, and I still find it tremendously inspiring.

~ S.S., Hawaii, USA

Dear Karen,

After reading your book I was motivated to take a day and clear all the junk out of my home. I worked for 13 hours straight and got rid of stuff I'd been hoarding for years. Especially the items in the Prosperity section of my home. That was on Monday. Today is Thursday and in the mail I received a check for $8775 from a relative as a gift. Needless to say, everyone I know is hearing about your wonderful book. Goddess bless you for such a wonderful book and for a wonderful change in my life.

~ Ann, Ohio, USA

Dear Karen,

Six months ago a friend gave me your book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Wow!!! Such a small book has had a huge impact. I read the entire book... within four hours I was de-cluttering and still continue to do so - a monthly ritual! I had bags for the rubbish, bags for the Good Samaritans and bags for friends! It's amazing - my house is exactly how it should be - simple and clutter free. My thinking has become more clear, my depression is on the up and up and I am so motivated in my garden it is remarkable! I have never been a hoarder but after reading your book, I still had a great deal of clutter and was hanging on to it for no reason other than just another bad habit.

Thank you for your inspirational, user-friendly guide to sorting out my life and showing people a way they can make simple changes at a real roots level. I hope you make millions...you absolutely, unashamedly deserve to!!!

~ Kelly, Australia

Dear Karen,

I have now just finished reading Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui for the 3rd time, and am embarking on my 3rd junk clearing! Since my first attempt at clearing, I have moved to a nicer flat, my boss granted me a 20% pay rise, I have lost the "orange skin" on my thighs, and I feel incredibly better.

~ Catherine B., France

Dear Karen,

A couple of weeks ago, I popped into my local spiritualist store and, wandering over to the books, saw both Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui & Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. I bought both, read Clear Your Clutter in a matter of hours, and have been a human whirlwind ever since. Last week we put 10 bags of rubbish out for collection, and we had to borrow a van for all the stuff we took to the boot fair to sell.

I have always been interested in oriental philosophy, I Ching, Feng Shui etc, but your book seems so straight forward to me; suddenly I understand why the small things I was trying to do (crystals, wind chimes, mirrors) did not seem to make any difference. And the yard where we always dump our rubbish until it is collected ? Right in the Money area of the Bagua ! My family has always joked that I have the concentration span of a flea, but it wasn't until I sat down and worked it out, that I realised how much unfinished work I have around the house; half knitted jumpers, half written stories, even a patchwork quilt I started when I was 13 yrs old (I will be 40 soon) I am so ashamed, but determined to sort it all out, no matter how long it takes, so that I can properly space clear the whole house.

~ L.W., UK

Karen,

I love your books. I clutter cleared my wealth corner/kitchen counter top. Then I put a small, but beautiful water feature there. Four days later I got a phone call from the vice president of a company, buying the company I was working for. He offered me a job, he cut my hours from 70 per week to 40 per week, demoted me from manager to assistant manager AND he gave me a 30% salary increase!!! Died and went to heaven, that's what happened to me!!! Now I can also practice Feng Shui. A million thank-you's.

~ Marty H., USA

Dear Karen,

Your book has made such a difference in our lives! Thank you! We bought copies for all of our family members and just this morning I got a call from my mother saying how much she appreciated it. She now feels ready to move on after her husband's death. Thanks again!

~ Charlie and Michele, USA

Dear Karen,

I did some workshops with you a couple of years ago and they were brilliant. I have successfully space cleared and feng shui'd my home. A few weeks ago I had a serious clutter removal at home (especially in the cupboard under the stairs where my 'fame' area is). I then cleaned, charged and programmed my crystals and within a week I was made the Managing Director of the company where I have worked for seven years. So it really does work!

~ Julie S., UK

Dear Karen,

I just finished Chapter 16 of your book and had to put the it down then. I was so motivated to get started, so that is exactly what I did.

I am 20 years old and my life is packed with unnecessary stress which has come to affect my nerves. I was recently put on medication to calm my anxieties. But since my clutter clearing of just my bedroom I feel better already. I ended up with 18 garbage bags of trash! Thank you so much.

~ Amber J., USA

Hello, Karen!

I just wanted to thank you for such a useful and readable book! I had been doing some self-searching and improvement, and had begun tackling my clutter, when a friend who lives in another part of the US spontaneously decided to send me a copy of your book! It arrived just in time to keep my momentum going, and to affirm that I had the right idea!

I began my clearing with my overgrown and wild gardens, then hauled some old and no longer loved or needed furniture out of the house. That led to a few carloads of clothes and odds and ends going to Goodwill, and I've STILL got plenty left to do! It feels SO GOOD each time an area is lightened and another load of "stagnant stuff" leaves the house!

I have asthma, and I'm finding I can breathe more easily and deeply, already, particularly in areas where the clearing out is nearly completed. I've always believed that we attract what we need into our lives, but your book showing up with such timing was certainly an affirmation of that theory! I am going out to get your other book, and seeing what more I can learn. I took a class in Feng Shui, last year, and while the teacher was very knowledgeable in the subject, she only mentioned that one's house "needs to be clean and tidy", and went on from there. At that time, I was mired in the lack of energy and "where to begin" miasma you so aptly describe in the book, and I tried a few of the principles without really clearing things out. I just cleaned up around the clutter, which isn't the same thing at all!

Anyway, thank you for your spare and clean little book which is helping me build a spare and clean little life!!!

~ Barbara H., USA

Karen,

I just wanted to write and let you know that your book, Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui, changed my life - and I am not usually prone to such gushing statements!

It was given to me as a gift from a very dear friend of mine when I was unceremoniously dumped by my last partner. I felt I could take no more - every area of my life was a failure - career, love, health, family, friends.

I started reading and I could not stop. Your advice totally struck a chord with me and I decided things had to change. I decided to move out of my home (particularly resonant was your section on bad things happening in the house creating a negative effect in the environment) and packing everything up of course gave me the perfect opportunity to clear my clutter, and also to a deadline! I must have thrown out, recycled, gave away or sold half of my belongings.

I have since kept up the good work and now, some time on, I am in a new, much better career, my health has dramatically improved, as have all my relationships, and I am pleased to say I am getting married this year! (is that a result of the pictures of the moon I have hanging in my love and marriage area?).

I am now re-reading the book just to give myself inspiration to do a 'spring clean' and this weekend took 20 items of clothing to the charity shop, and I still have some work to do. After that, I plan to pass the book on to my friend so others may feel the benefit of your advice. Thank you so much for letting me feel I can take control of my life again.

~ Louise O., England

Dear Karen,

I am just finishing reading your book, Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui, and continuing with my intensive cleaning job.

I am familiar with feng shui and tried to introduce it in my home, discarded things from time to time here and there but never in such a scale. Thank you for pointing my attention into the problem of "all old things which are laying around".

I thought that I have it under control, well, that was not really true. Who needs 15 bottles of smelling oils which are out of date???? Thank you once more for writing this book, really good piece of work and inspiration and help for a change in our life!!!!

~ Joanna P., Sweden

Dear Karen,

I am in the middle of cleaning and clearing my home. I work at a Art & History Museum and wanted to express myself about the positive side of saving and collecting. We are dependent on people saving photos, paper, clothes, objects, and art to be able to tell the story of the past. I have a near complete collection of telephone books and about half as many City directories. We have photographs of people and places from over 100 years ago. All these items help illustrate and inform us about the past.

A phone call to the local historical society before throwing things away may benefit future generations.

And, of course there is always the other side - people with things that are too precious to them to be thrown away when that is exactly what needs to happen to them.

Thanks again for the support in clearing unused, broken, and ugly (to me) clutter form my home.

~ R.M., USA ( where our history is both quite new and ancient)

Dear Karen,

Once I made the committed decision to clear, I mentioned it to my sister on the phone and she told me that I needed to purchase the book, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Oh no, I don't need that, I've got a book about that somewhere that my friend loaned me, so I'll be fine. Well, as I cleaned up my clutter, the piles decreased and guess what I discovered? Yes, it was the book - your book - but I hadn't remembered what my friend had given me. Should have started sooner!

Good luck in your travels and thanks for writing such an important book.

~ A.N., USA

Dear Karen,

Three months ago my mother, aged 76, broke her hip. She had been depressed and very obese for quite a time. During her stay in the hospital I went to her house to water the plants and so on, and I was amazed how much clutter was around. I suggested I would help her clear this clutter when she was sufficiently recovered. She agreed and when she was home again we started to clutter clear her apartment.

You won't believe this (she didn't either) but we found 6 suitcases, all far too heavy for an old lady, 12 new pairs of shoes, clothes far too small ("for when I am not so fat anymore") and lots of junk. Well, to put it in a nutshell: she went on a diet, has lost more than 10 kg already, her depression is gone, her apartment is spic and span, and she feels like a new woman (her own words). Thank you very much for your book.

~ Jacqueline B., The Netherlands

Dear Karen,

Thank you for writing this book. I've been looking for words of wisdom to help me clear clutter and stop hanging onto things. I've bought books by Don Aslett, Michelle Passoff - they helped a little in small areas. But, unfortunately, their books had no overall, easily graspable thread to keep me reading and on the path I need to be on.

Then last Friday, I came across Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. Something about the cover was very inviting. (You planned it that way, right? Very good!) Anyway, I grabbed the book, and was even more encouraged when the sales clerk said "This is the greatest book!"

One unexpected result I've noticed since reading it: in the last few days, whenever I go shopping for something I need, I come away with just the items I need - and that's it. I quickly browse the clothes, but am no longer incented to buy impulsively. For years, my husband has asked me not to buy anything else, and I've always sincerely felt that whatever I bought, I really really had to have. Well, I don't need any more clothes or house decor or stuff. I am amazed that I can enjoy looking at department store finery, but then pass right on by with words to myself like, "Oh, I already have something like that," or "That's pretty, but it's not going to help me get anything."

Can't exactly put my finger on what your book has given me, but maybe the knowledge that I can toss (or recycle) helps me know that I - myself - am the essence, and that I don't need anything else to help me 'be'. It's wonderful! I'm looking forward to space clearing, and to leading my husband and kids onto this track! Thanks a million!

~ Shari, USA

Dear Karen,

For years I have fought my tendency to accumulate clutter with only limited success (I am one of those who once moved house with 23 empty jam jars - and who paid a removal firm to pack them!). I was given your two books by a friend at Christmas and with their inspiration I am finally kicking the habit!

Having gleefully sorted through a few drawers and my clothes cupboard, I decided to move on to consideration of the location of my clutter in relation to the bagua. The area of 'Fortunate Blessings' had an accumulation of clutter and was the only area of the house which did not yet have properly arranged pictures or ornaments - just an old clock that did not work! It will come as no surprise to you to learn that the only area of concern in my life is money.

Inspired to try the system out, I cleared the clutter, fixed the clock, and then started to decorate the area. I found a picture of rice fields and luxuriant vegetation, hung it in place and walked across the room to judge the effect. As I turned round it was like receiving a blow to my solar plexus - I felt a real jolt of energy. That evening my husband commented that he had not seen our two elderly cats cavorting around like that for years as they raced through the house. All night I felt as though we were sleeping beside a powerfully rushing stream - and the children felt it too, being unusually restless. In order to stem the flow, as it were, the next morning I positioned an ornament and a pot plant on the sideboard!

Amused at the effect of my little bit of directed clutter clearing, I examined the clutter in every room in turn and was astonished to discover that in every room, including the bathroom, my office at work, and the barn where we keep the pony, my favorite spot for clutter was .... 'fortunate blessings'. To top it all the only place in the garden for the dustbin is, you've guessed it, 'fortunate blessings'!

I have systematically cleared every room and am working on the garden, and so far I can report the following results:

1) I have been wanting a new piece of sports equipment, but holding back because of the cost. One morning I was inspired to call a supplier to ask for a quote. That afternoon they called back and said they could supply me with what I wanted at a considerably reduced price because the previous day they had decided to make precisely that item for an exhibition.

2) I took my daughter to buy some new shoes. The very pair we wanted, in the right colour and size, had just been marked down from 31 pounds to 10 pounds!

3) On my way to do an errand for my mother in law I walk past a rail of children's clothes on sale and find an item in my daughter's size. A little further on I come across two matching items, also on sale. At the checkout they further reduce the items so that the total comes to less than 7 pounds.

4) A contract that my husband has been working on was renewed without any of the hitherto customary administrative difficulties.

Coincidence or what? Perhaps another name for 'fortunate blessings' is 'good luck'!

~ S.B., UK

Dear Karen,

For several years now, the clutter in my home has been sucking the life out of me. I have moved 10 times in the past 10 years and have dragged my junk with me every time. Every time I tried to get my home in order, I would feel paralyzed by the mountains of STUFF. A week ago, I just got fed-up. I pulled your book, "Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui" off my bookcase and devoured it in a few hours. I'd had the book for several months, but have always been too afraid to begin. I have only scratched the surface of my clutter and already the changes are amazing! I have more energy than I've had in years. Quite an accomplishment for the mother of a 3 month old baby!

My post-pregnancy weight had hit a plateau, but I dropped 3 pounds since I began cleaning, without even trying! The junk food that was so comforting to me now has no flavor.

I am finally ready to get rid of the things that were keeping me in the past. My things seemed like part of my identity. Now I know that they keep me from being who I am NOW. This morning, I began cleaning out my closet. What I thought would be an all-day project took less than 30 minutes. Now I wonder why on earth I hauled that stuff around!

As a new mother, I am realizing that my clutter has been holding me back in life. I cannot, will not allow this junk to carry over into my daughter's life. Our family deserves better. I don't know where this will lead us, but I can't wait to find out! Since I began clearing, my husband spontaneously started throwing out old magazines of his. Apparently, it's contagious. What's so funny is, he doesn't believe in Feng Shui!

Your book is so important. You are giving people like me the inspiration to take back our lives. Keep it up.

~ J.W.S., USA